Washington, DC  -  Two Russell County farmers met with Congressman Rogers in Alexander City yesterday to discuss local agriculture issues and develop ways to grow and protect farming interests across the state.

Ben Bowden and John Rudd were appointed to Rogers’ Third District Agriculture Advisory Committee this fall. The Russell County men joined other farmers yesterday to discuss issues such as the deadly southern pine beetle, which has been compared in strength to the boll weevil, and the importance of crafting future trade agreements to help protect Alabama farmers from unfair overseas competition.

“Alabama’s economy depends on the health of its farmers,” Congressman Rogers said. “This committee will help me stay in touch with the needs of real farmers, and help Congress craft legislation that grows and protects Third District agriculture and creates good paying jobs.”

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by 31 farmers from across the Third District, including representatives from Russell County. In total, all 13 counties in Rogers’ East Alabama district were represented at the meeting, which was held on the campus of the Central Alabama Community College. All committee members are unpaid volunteers.

Agriculture contributes over $4.7 billion to Alabama’s economy each year and employs nearly 500,000 workers and farmers statewide. Rogers’ Third District Agriculture Advisory Committee is expected to meet again the first half of next year, and help highlight some of the problems Third District farmers continue to face.